Expression and Analysis of TBX3 Gene in the Skin from Three Locations on Dun Mongolian Bider Horse

The study examines the TBX3 gene's role in the pigmentation of dun Mongolian Bider horses, focusing on skin samples from the shoulder, dorsal midline, and croup of 3 horses. It found that TBX3 mRNA expression was highest in the croup and lowest in light-colored Bider areas and the dorsal midline. Protein analysis showed higher TBX3 expression in the croup compared to light-colored regions. Immunohistochemical staining indicated TBX3's presence in the hair bulb and epidermis, suggesting its involvement in melanocyte activity and pigmentation. The research underscores the complexity of TBX3's role in equine pigmentation and calls for further studies with larger samples to explore the gene's regulatory mechanisms.